'People's health threatened' by Tajikistan earthquake
08/01/2010
Around 600 people in the south of Tajikistan have been left without adequate accommodation arrangements following an earthquake in the country, it has been reported.
A spokesperson for the Tajik Emergencies Committee told Reuters that "583 citizens are without shelter and are currently staying with relatives or in neighbours' houses".
The earthquake measured 5.3 on the Richter scale and occurred in the Pamir Mountains region, the news provider informed.
It added that 98 homes were completely destroyed by the quake, with 900 more damaged.
No deaths have been reported as a result of the quake.
The news provider quoted Tajikistan's Rapid Emergency Assessment and Coordination Team as saying that winter tents, bedding and hygiene kits are urgently needed by those affected.
Located in the east of Tajikistan, the Pamir Mountains are dubbed 'the roof of the world' and boast some of the highest peaks on the planet.
Written by Clare Devlin
